I received my review code for Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and I’m excited to play it this weekend (after a lunchtime viewing of The Wolverine). I was high on the game after seeing it in October. The gameplay is clever and simple, while the graphics look like a water-colored painting come to life. In many ways, it’s like a mashup of Ico and Heavy Rain. I adored both of those games, so hopefully I adore this one. The game hits on August 7, as part of the Xbox Live Arcade “Summer of Arcade” event. My review is under wraps until then, so stay tuned.
Now how about you? What’s on your weekend playlist?
I’m playing Find an apartment with a 3 month lease.
Next week I expect to be playing Dragon’s Crown and Pikmin 3 with some Rise of the Triad mixed in.
Happy hunting!
-M
Thanks. It has been an up and down 2 weeks. The firm I was at laid off the entire staff. My wife and I are/were also selling our home since we signed a contract to build a new one. Then last Thursday I got a job offer from (out of work 9 days) with a heck of a raise then sold my house for list price 30 mins later the same day.
Damn. Does everything in NOLA happen that fast?
-M
That’s what she said.
My band is playing a benefit toy drive for Loma Linda Children’s Hospital’s terminally ill patients on Saturday.
Then Sunday, I’m going to the Viper Room in Hollywood to see my friend’s band play.
Also, my favorite baseball team is playing Iceman’s favorite baseball team.
Let me know if you can make it to Hollywood early. There’s a cool vape shop not far from TVR.
Gha! Don’t mention baseball around here. We’re trying to pretend like it doesn’t exist. Actually, they won yesterday and are doing pretty well right now, so you should feel really, really, really embarrassed for the Pirates. It’s almost as humiliating as the Steelers losing to the Dolphins.
-M
P.S- That’s awesome that you’re playing for the kids, but take my advice and stay away from the death metal when you’re playing.
I’ve decided to start playing Red Dead Redemption (GOTY) this week. Any advice?
-M
Not much gaming wise, probably a little more Pokemon White 2 while I catch up on Dexter (almost done with season 5 currently).
I finished Spec Ops: The Line this weekend and I have to say that the game is a f’n masterpiece. It is art. It is the best kind of art. It is art that you can only experience in the medium of a video game. If it was a book, TV mini-series, movie or theater production, it would suck. It’s only good as an interactive “game.”
To be completely honest, the gameplay is pretty mediocre. The sprint/cover mechanic can be wonky or even frustrating at times and the story has some pretty big plot holes. At first glance, this game looks and feels like just another third-person military shooter. What takes it to “Shadow-of-the-Coloussus” level is the characterization. From the ironic allegory of the “three wise men” to the decent of the mind into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, it is a very deep experience below it’s sand-crusty surface. The use of music and sound is also a great addition that compliments the game’s strengths. Hell, it’s even personified as an antagonist in a similar vein to GlaDOS (only slightly less passive-aggressive).
This game shatters any preconceived notions of “good guys” and “bad guys.” The line between right and wrong are blurred to the point that makes you (the player) unsure as to what you should be doing and what you shouldn’t. Yager gets a lot of credit for creating a protagonist that we can project ourselves onto WITHOUT having him be a “silent hero” like Link, Samus or Master Chief. Captain Walker is us in the sense that we want to be the hero. We want to rescue the princess or save the world. This kind of traditional convention keeps us going forward until we realize that it’s too late to turn back. It’s a road to hell paved with good intentions that we should have just not taken the first step… or second step, or third step. This is the first game I’ve ever played that punishes you for playing the game. But it’s the best form of punishment.
This game is a rare gem and should be played by anyone that wants a really deep interactive experience, especially as far as military shooters go. This is only only one that I’ve played that has a soul. A dark, twisted and wrenched soul, but one, nonetheless. And by the time the game is over, it holds that mirror (literally) right up to your face to make one last decision… and then after the credits roll, you get to make one more (*evil grin*).
-M
P.S. I wouldn’t recommend this game for kids or anybody in the Army… especially anyone who has/is suffering from PTSD.
Damn I was so close to grabbing this in the steam sale! I’ll try it out this Christmas then.
Gha! Why didn’t you? If it’s anywhere around $20, it’s well worth the price of admission. Amazing experience. Play it!
I want to get your take on it.
-M